Snuggled between the states of Japan and China is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Though sometimes overlooked as a destination spot in the area, this area of Southeast Far East is an excellent place to visit.
founded in 1948 when it separated from its sister country, North Korea, the Republic of Korea changed into a democratic state at the end of World War II. In 1950, the North invaded the South, causing the Korean War until the 2 sides signed a truce in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, long-time customs, but South Korea has changed into a modern, worldwide industrial leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century.
South Korea is home to approximately 48 million folks of whom about 12,000,000 live in and around the capital and largest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, slightly larger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is very mild all year and residents enjoy all 4 seasons. The landscape of Korea is mostly mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you can also find rice fields, the country?s staple crop, in numerous of the valleys.
Top Attractions
Many attractions in the country are bound to lure a selection of travelers. One of the most renowned is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the location of the palace is over 600 years of age, the particular buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and hostile takeovers. The present buildings house both the nation’s Museum of Korea and the nation’s people Museum. Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually.
Those fascinated by the history and culture of the country should also take a look at the Korean folk hamlet located near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans in the Chosun period ( from the 1700s up until 1910 ) in this 243-acre town. Observe and interact with residents as you encounter them in standard Korean dress, but don’t be confused. These folk are not employed actors. Many of the residents of the hamlet essentially live there! Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history.
the most popular attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, in Panmunjom. Set at the 38th parallel, this area is where the democratic South borders the communist North. Here you will witness rhetoric from either side of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with intricate buildings and roads, but in actuality is a slow, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have buddies and relatives still living in the North that they had no contact with for over 50 years. Travel and communication between sides is restricted and the hope is that, one day, an end to dictatorial rule will open up the border once more.
On South Koreas west coast, in the city of Incheon, you can visit the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative Hall. This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War. There are a selection of amusements and maritime attractions in the area for visitors to enjoy.
Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang holiday, the Nankye Traditional Music festival, and the party of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang festival occurs yearly in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this holiday at the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang festival is held on the last day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music holiday is a party of Nankye, a Korean composer who is claimed to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This kind of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound completely unique to Korean culture. This event is held annually in Yongdong in September. The celebration of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist churches hold festivals and parades on this holiday that’s celebrated by many Koreans, without reference to faith.
Culinary pleasures
While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a selection of culinary delights. Most dishes are more spicy than most Western palates are used to, however. The favourite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a conventional Korean dish that consists of soaked slices of meat with rice and vegetables that’s then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce. With rice, another basic foods of Korean culture is kimchi. This side plate is typically served with every meal. Kimchi is a mixture of fermented veggies, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is eaten frequently, there are many variations of kimchi to choose between. For those less adventuresome, many Western eateries have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who want to experience the culture but cannot handle spicy foods, there’s usually a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.
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Tags: delicacies, delights, Seoul, South Korea